Indian team after taking an unattainable lead in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, made 6 changes in their XI for the final match by including 5 debutants. Top order Delhi batsman Nitish Rana was one of them who batted at No.7 in his first-ever international game.
The former India cricketer Aakash Chopra in his latest YouTube video, talked about Rana’s batting position as well as sense of ‘complacency’ displayed by the Indian team in the third and final ODI at Colombo.
“India made six changes, included five debutants and changed the entire bowling line-up. Not a single bowler from the previous game played in the third ODI. Also in the batting, India gave a chance to Nitish Rana but he batted at No. 7 on debut,” Chopra said in a YouTube video on his channel.
“Here is a player who has batted in the Top 3 all his life - whether IPL, Delhi or List A cricket. When you make six changes to your team, complacency is the mindset. It seemed Team India took Sri Lanka a bit lightly in the third ODI,” he added.
The cricketer-turned-commentator then explained his point about complacency in India’s mindset and how this defeat in final ODI will be a lesson for the Shikhar Dhawan and Co.
“Although the match was important for the debutants, collectively the group seemed to believe that ‘we will win the game easily as Sri Lanka are a weak side.’ But there is a lesson for Team India in the defeat - do not take any opponent lightly,” the former India opener said.
After the three-match ODI series, which India won 2-1, the team will be preparing for the upcoming three-match T20I series from Sunday (25 July) at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
